Wall Street takes beating
NEW YORK - Wall Street plunged Tuesday, driving the Dow Jones industrials down 370 points after investors saw an unexpected contraction in the service sector as evidence the economy is sinking into recession. It was the Dow's biggest percentage drop in almost a year.

Google increases e-mail security products
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. - Google Inc. is adding more e-mail security and storage products for businesses, sharpening its aim on a Microsoft Corp. stronghold while the competition between the two rivals also heats up in Internet search and advertising.

Commission unveils plan to energize downtown Lubbock
Those behind a movement to reinvigorate Lubbock's downtown took their herculean vision public Tuesday - laying out a multiphase plan that calls for the construction of two huge parks, a multipurpose arena and a performing arts center.

Maben, Bubba back with win at Fort Worth
After Kelly Maben's star barrel racing horse, Bubba, broke a bone in his foot at a midseason rodeo in Calgary, the Spur cowgirl fell out of contention in the race to qualify for the National Finals Rodeo.

Lubbock blaze in area of arson fires
A smoky haze hovered over dozens of blocks in Central Lubbock on Wednesday night while a fire destroyed two structures in a neighborhood - a few blocks from four arson fires last month.

Knight brought prominence to TechBOB KNIGHT was at Texas Tech for less than seven years, but he delivered a lot of excitement during that time and helped bring Tech athletics to a higher national prominence.

Toll road tab will be paid by usersGENERALLY,IT'S SAFE to say toll roads aren't popular out here in West Texas. One need to reflect no further back than when the idea was broached here as a possible way to help pay for the Marsha Sharp Freeway. The public outcry was deafening.

New kids' TV show reflects mainstreaming of Chinese culture
The little cartoon girl with the black hair and the big eyes looks straight into the camera, grins and opens her mouth. The words come out, and they are unexpected in both sound and tone: "hong se" - the Mandarin Chinese term for "red."

Estacado girls hold
off Frenship, 50-39
The final meeting between the Estacado and Frenship girls basketball teams as district rivals was like so many other - close, tense and featuring a little bit of everything.

Be a man: Choose subtle jewelry that speaks
NEW YORK - There's a fine line not to be crossed when men wear jewelry. Too much can be a put-off, but a little glimpse of shine under the collar or cuff can be powerful or even sexy.

No evidence that younger generation more narcissistic than predecessors
Narcissistic? Maybe not so much. A report in the February issue of Psychological Science refutes a widely publicized 2006 study that found that contemporary youths are measurably more overconfident and egotistical than their predecessors. That view, frequently bolstered by anecdotal evidence, is often blamed on child-rearing practices that have placed a premium on boosting self-esteem.

Commission unveils plan to energize downtown Lubbock
Those behind a movement to reinvigorate Lubbock's downtown took their herculean vision public Tuesday - laying out a multiphase plan that calls for the construction of two huge parks, a multipurpose arena and a performing arts center.

Pat Knight makes debut as Tech head coach
WACO - When Pat Knight wasn't in charge of scouting that day's opponent, he usually joined the other Texas Tech basketball coaches on the bench about an hour before each game.

Road Construction
 Quaker Avenue - Traffic will be reduced to one lane in all directions approaching the intersection of Quaker Avenue and the Marsha Sharp Freeway while crews install beams for a bridge.

Road construction
 Quaker Avenue - The intersection of Quaker Avenue and the Marsha Sharp Freeway will be closed while Texas Department of Transportation crews install beams for a bridge.

Top steer
nets Brownfield teen
$185,000
Mallory Newsom, a student at Brownfield High School, won $185,000 this weekend after her steer was named grand champion at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo's Junior Sale of Champions on Saturday.

Crash kills two
Littlefield teens
Students, faculty and staff at Littlefield High School are grieving the loss of two students and are concerned about the lives of two others.

Tech medical school in El Paso gets accreditation
Texas Tech's four-year medical school in El Paso has been accredited, a hurdle the landmark border school needed to recruit its first class of students by 2009, university officials learned Tuesday afternoon.

Lubbock blaze in area of arson fires
A smoky haze hovered over dozens of blocks in Central Lubbock on Wednesday night while a fire destroyed two structures in a neighborhood - a few blocks from four arson fires last month.

Reese principal to receive TAAE award
Scherry Scarborough, principal at Reese Education Center, will be honored as the Texas Association of Alternative Education State Administrator of the Year on Thursday.

Death noticesPauline Nichols Bailey, 94, of Morton died Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008. Services will be 11 a.m. Friday at First Baptist Church. Ellis Funeral Home in Morton.

Death notices
Services for Paul D. Bilbo of Hobbs, N.M., will be 2 p.m. Thursday at the Chapel of Hope Funeral Home. Chapel of Hope Funeral Home of Hobbs.

Lillian Faye Staggs
In Loving Memory of Lillian Faye Staggs, 3, of Lubbock. God blessed our family with a beautiful angel on Dec. 8, 2004. After three wonderful years, she has touched many hearts and many lives with her loving spirit.

Jesse M. Ramos
Jesse M. Ramos, of Lubbock departed this life on Feb. 2, 2008, at the age of 61.

Eldon Reed
Celebration of Life services for Eldon Reed, 84, of Lubbock will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8, 2008, at Resthaven's Mausoleum Chapel, with Shawn Miller officiating.

Robert Wilson
Robert Newton "Bob" Wilson, 71, formerly of Seminole, died Feb. 6, 2008, with his family at his side. Family and friends will gather from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, at Lake Ridge Chapel, 82nd and Iola Ave. A ceremony to celebrate his life is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, at First Baptist Church in Meadow. A graveside service will follow at Gaines County Cemetery in Seminole at 2:30 p.m.

Pamela Ann Roberts
The life of Pamela Ann Roberts will be celebrated at 2 p.m. this afternoon at Bacon Heights Baptist Church with Revs. Bill McMillan and Mike Martindale officiating. Mrs. Roberts died Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008.

Robert Newton Bob Wilson
Robert Newton "Bob" Wilson, 71, formerly of Seminole, died Feb. 6, 2008, with his family at his side. Family and friends will gather from 6 - 8 p.m. Friday at Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Designers, 82nd and Iola Ave. A ceremony to celebrate his life is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 9, at 10:30 a.m., at First Baptist Church in Meadow. A graveside service will follow at Gaines County Cemetery in Seminole at 2:30 p.m.

Ray Bishoff Jr.
On Feb. 11, 1944, Ray was born to Naomi "Mammow" Roberta and Willie Ray "Poppy" Bishoff, Sr., in Houston, where he grew up. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1964 as a Private, serving his country for the next 23 years, which included two tours of duty in Vietnam. During his military career, Ray became an officer, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Upon retirement in 1987, he owned a feed store in Bonsall, Calif. In 2000, Ray married the love of his life, Marcia Rohwedder. They moved to Lorenzo in 2005, establishing Morningside Ranch. During his brief, but joyful, time in Lorenzo, he began collecting historic rifles and building his herd of animals. Ray made his permanent change of station to his "final address" Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008.

Guandolyn J. Arnold
Guandolyn J. Arnold (aka Linda J. Arnold) passed from this life on Feb. 5, 2008 at her home in New Bern, North Carolina. Born in McGarigle, Texas on April 6, 1925, Ms. Arnold grew up in Post, Texas and graduated from Post High School. She married Dale L. Arnold and the couple lived in subsequent years in Idaho, Montana, Northern Virginia, and Lubbock, Texas. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Idaho in 1948 and later attended the University of Montana School of Law.

Donna Elaine Corn
Donna Elaine Corn went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008. Donna was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She loved to fish and was a huge fan of Texas Ranger baseball. Donna was born Aug. 13, 1940 in Ropesville to T.E. and Flossie Lasley. Donna lived in Levelland with her husband James Byrd until his death in 1991. Donna owned B&B hot oil services for 18 years. Donna married Lee Corn on April 30, 1996 and they have had 11 happy years together living in Lubbock.

Juneva E. Cagle
Services for Juneva E. Cagle, "Mama C", 89, of Lubbock, will be 2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 9, 2008, at First Baptist Church in Ford Chapel, with Rev. John Ballard officiating. Interment will follow at the City of Lubbock Cemetery under the direction of Sanders Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at the funeral home tonight February 8, 2008, from 7 until 8:30 p.m.

William J. Bill Doege
William J. "Bill" Doege, age 84, of Lubbock died Monday at Covenant Medical Center. A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 7, 2008 at Christ Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Mark Paul officiating under the direction of Rix Funeral Directors. His family will receive friends from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday evening at the funeral home.

Elizabeth Florence
Join us in celebrating the life of Annie Elizabeth Harper Florence. She was born March 21, 1916, in Greensboro, Ala., and left this world and entered into Heaven on Feb. 4, 2008.

Thurman Francis
Services for Thurman Francis, 94, of Post, will be 2 p.m. Saturday, at the First United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Lloyd Stice, Pastor of the First United Methodist Church of Quanah, Officiating. The Rev. Jon Foster, Pastor of the First United Methodist Church of Post, and Dr. James T. Egan of the First Baptist Church of Post will be assisting. Burial will follow in the Terrace Cemetery. Arrangements are under the personal care of Justice-Mason Funeral Home. Thurman died Thursday, Feb. 7, 2008, at Covenant Medical Center, Lubbock. He was born to C.C. and Amanda J. (Coke) Francis, July 25, 1913, in Tarrant County. Thurman started school at Webb and also attended Mesquite schools. He and his family moved to the Close City Community to farm in1930. Thurman married Annie Laura Coleman Oct. 16, 1941, at Snyder. They moved to Grand Prairie and later to Arlington. During WW II, Thurman worked for North American Aviation, Co. as a line supervisor building planes for WWII. In 1946, he and his family returned to Post and Garza County. Thurman became a partner with Max Gordon in the Garza Tire Shop and later began farming in Garza and Lynn Counties. He served on the Garnolia School Board, Grassland Co-op Gin, Graham Co-op Gin and was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Post. His special interests were: family, avid fisherman, life long love of learning, playing the harmonica, hunting master, domino player, buying gifts for his wife and grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Burney Francis, Jan. 14, 1987; and also by a son-in-law, Benny George Feb. 14, 1988. Survivors include his wife ,Annie Laura of Post; one daughter, Jane George of Post; one brother, Travis Francis of Tomball; and a sister, Mrs. G.H. (Alyne) Clanton of Post; two grandchildren, Donna Craig and husband Kevin of Mansfield and Rodney George and wife Susan of Lubbock; seven great-grandchildren, Kelci, Kyle, Karah and Katie Craig of Mansfield, Morgan Hammond and husband Keith of Hilo, Hawaii and Ben and Gage George of Lubbock.; and a great-grandchild, Hanna Beth Hammond of Hilo, Hawaii.

Grace Isaacs
Services for Grace Isaacs, 89, of Brownfield will be 2 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2008 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church with Father Gerald Leatham, Father Reynaldo Reyes and Father Rene Perez officiating. Burial will be in Terry County Cemetery under the direction of Brownfield Funeral Home.

Donnie Blackmon Lewis
Donnie Blackmon Lewis, 60, of Lubbock died Saturday at her home. Funeral services will be Thursday at 2 p.m. in the Franklin-Bartley Chapel, burial will follow in the Meadow Cemetery. Her family will receive friends Wednesday from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Donnie was born August 14, 1948 to Donald and Ida (Wilson) Blackmon. She was a graduate of Ropesville High School, and she attended South Plains College, and University of Texas. She married Bill Lewis October 21, 1986, in Lovington, N.M. She was a member of St. Luke's Methodist Church, and was a retired bookkeeper.

Roberto P. Gauna
A celebration of life for Roberto P. Gauna, 63, of Shallowater, will be 10 a. m Monday, Feb. 11, at Shadow Hill Baptist Church in Lubbock, with the Pastor Roy Davis officiating. Burial will be at Earth Cemetery in Earth, TX, under the direction of Guajardo Funeral Chapels. He passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2008, at University Medical Center. He was born on Apr. 27, 1944, in San Juan, TX, to Ysabel and Natividad Gauna. He married Mary Olivares on Nov. 17, 1972 in Amarillo.

Jean Kveton
Rosary for Jean Kveton, (Mama Jean), of Abernathy will be recited at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8, 2008, in St. Isidore Catholic Church. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, 2008, in St. Isidore Catholic Church. Services are under the direction of Abell Funeral Home of Abernathy.

Geraldine McDonald
Funeral services for Geraldine McDonald, age 76, of Lubbock, will be Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2008 at Agape Funeral Chapel, with Ken Horn officiating. Visitation will be held at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2008. Burial will follow in the City of Lubbock Cemetery. She passed away on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008.

Robert Stafford Hornak
Robert Stafford Hornak, 57, passed away on Feb. 2, 2008 in Albuquerque, NM. Mr. Hornak had been a resident of Albuquerque for twelve years. He was born on July 8, 1950 in Brownfield, Texas. He is survived by his wife, Sherrie Hornak; one daughter, Kami Hornak; his mother, Perry Jo Hornak of Lubbock, Texas; and brothers, Miles Hornak and wife, Jennifer, of Lubbock, Texas and Conrad Hornak and wife, Joan, of Las Vegas, Nev. He is preceded in death by his father, Joseph H. Hornak and a brother, Joseph H. Hornak, Jr. He began his military career at the New Mexico Military Institute and received his Associates Degree. He served in the United States Air Force from 1971-1975 and the United States Navy from 1980-1996. He was highly decorated with the Naval Achievement Medal 2nd Award, Navy Unit Commendation, Navy Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal 2nd Award, Naval Reserve Sea Service Ribbon, the Gold Wreath Award and the Silver Star. He received the Gold Star for being "Recruiter of the Year" in Albuquerque in 1987 and 1988. He was the Naval Science Instructor for the JNROTC Program at the Santa Fe High School from 2000-2006. Most recently, he had been working in Pascagoula, Miss. as an instructor in JNROTC at the Pascagoula High School.

Larry D. Massey
Services for Larry Massey, 60, of Lubbock will be 2 p.m. Friday, in the Cowboy Church of the South Plains, located east of Tahoka Hwy on 114th Street. A horse drawn hearse procession will follow in Slaton's Englewood Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Englunds Funeral Service in Slaton.

Juan Martinez
A Rosary for Juan Martinez, 94, of Lubbock, will be recited 7 p.m. Friday in Resthaven's Abbey Chapel. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2008 at San Ramon Catholic Church with Father Nelson Diaz officiating. Burial will follow in Peaceful Garden Cemetery.

Mickey Sam McClure
Graveside services or Mickey Sam McClure, of Willis, will be held Friday, Feb. 8, 2008 at 2 p.m. at the Levelland Cemetery under the direction of George Price Funeral Home, with Dr. Steve Vernon pastor of First Baptist Church officiating. He died suddenly Monday, Feb. 4, 2008 in Willis.

Pamela Ann Roberts
Family and friends of Pamela Ann Roberts, 55, of Lubbock will gather this evening from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Designers, 82nd Street and Iola Ave. On Thursday, Feb. 7, a ceremony to celebrate her life will be at 2 p.m. at Bacon Heights Baptist Church.

Martha Kaye Pierce
Martha Kaye Pierce, 64, of Canyon died Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2008, in Amarillo. Services will be 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8, 2008 at Brooks Chapel. Burial will be at Glen Rest Cemetery in Kerrville under the direction of Brooks Funeral Directors in Canyon.

Freda Alma Popejoy
Services for Freda Alma Popejoy, 85, of Lubbock will be held Saturday, Feb. 9, 2008, at 10 a.m., at Sanders Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Dan Chrestman officiating. Burial will follow in the City of Lubbock Cemetery under the direction of Sanders Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 6-7:30 p.m.

Rev. Barbarita Ramirez Ramon
Rev. Barbarita Ramirez Ramon, age 94, went to be with our Lord on Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2008. Family and friends will gather Friday evening from 7 to 8 p. m. at Guajardo Funeral Chapels. Funeral service will be 10:30 a. m. Saturday, Feb. 9 at Emmanuel Worship Center, with the Rev. Ovidio Martinez officiating. Burial will be at Peaceful Gardens Cemetery under the direction of Guajardo Funeral Chapels.

Maben, Bubba back with win at Fort Worth
After Kelly Maben's star barrel racing horse, Bubba, broke a bone in his foot at a midseason rodeo in Calgary, the Spur cowgirl fell out of contention in the race to qualify for the National Finals Rodeo.

Pat Knight makes debut as Tech head coach
WACO - When Pat Knight wasn't in charge of scouting that day's opponent, he usually joined the other Texas Tech basketball coaches on the bench about an hour before each game.

Can D-line horses lift Tech to next level?
Texas Tech's class got smaller instead of bigger on college football's national signing day. But the Red Raiders hope the talent they signed at key spots can take them to a higher threshold in the Big 12 Conference.

Texas Tech women vs. Iowa StateAbout the game: This is the 15th meeting between Texas Tech and Iowa State, with the Lady Raiders holding an 8-6 advantage. But the Cyclones have won the last two matchups, and Tech is just 1-4 at Hilton Coliseum. ... The teams are tied for eighth place in the Big 12 Conference at 2-5, and both are coming off losses on Saturday. ... Iowa State shoots a league-leading 37.5 percent from 3-point range, with Kelsey Bolte and Alison Lacey ranking first and second individually, respectively. The Lady Raiders rank last in the Big 12 in 3-point shooting at 29 percent, but they average eight more rebounds per game than the Cyclones. Tech's Dominic Seals ranks second in the conference with 9.1 boards per game, while ISU's leading rebounder (Bolte) grabs just 5.3 per contest. ... Tech, which hasn't won at ISU since 2002, is 0-3 in Big 12 road games. The Cyclones are 1-2 in conference home games.

Texas Tech men vs. BaylorAbout the game: Texas Tech leads the all-time series 73-41, but the Bears lead, 27-25, in Waco. ... Tech head coach Pat Knight has been a head coach before, in 1998 for the Wisconsin Blast of the International Basketball Association. The Blast finished 19-15 and finished 16-10 after a 3-5 start. ... Baylor head coach Scott Drew is 2-6 against the Red Raiders. ... Tech has lost its last two games at the Ferrell Center. ... The Bears have five players averaging double figures in scoring, four that start - Curtis Jerrells, Henry Dugat, Aaron Bruce and Kevin Rogers - and reserve LaceDarius Dunn, a freshman who is averaging 11.7 points per game. ... After starting 4-0 in the Big 12 Conference, Baylor has lost its last two games - vs. Oklahoma at home and at Texas. ... Baylor's 16 wins are the most in the Scott Drew Era and the most since the 2000-01 season, when the Bears went to the National Invitation Tournament.

Red Raiders signees
Texas Tech announced on national signing day that it has added the following newcomers:.